During the Armed Home Invasion, three victims were beaten and robbed, one of which was 70-year-old Garciano T. Hernandez.Hernandez ultimately succumbed to his injuries two days later, September 24, 2012.

The investigation revealed Sheppard and 31-year-old Walter Morrison, DOB 01/06/81, 520 Garden Drive N, Lakeland, discovered the residents had cash in the home and agreed to rob the victims together.

Morrison was identified as one of the suspects early in the investigation and a warrant was issued for his arrest.He was taken into custody in Union County on September 28, 2012, and was booked into the Polk County Jail on Monday, October 1, 2012.

Morrison was charged with First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery and Armed Robbery.

Sheppard is charged with First Degree Murder and Armed Burglary.Sheppard was booked into the Polk County Jail.